The San Diego Padres’ offseason makeover was so complete, it almost wasn’t completed in time for the first game of the season.
Acquired in a multi-player trade with the Atlanta Braves on the eve of the season opener, closer Craig Kimbrel didn’t join his new team until just before the Padres took the field for pre-game introductions in an eventual 6-3 loss against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
His arrival, though, was the latest sign that the Padres are going all-in on contending this season.
“You could definitely tell this organization is going after it. It’s not a ‘in a few years deal.’ It’s a “win now” deal,” Kimbrel said. “As a player that’s exciting because you never know how long you’re going to play this game. It’s what we all want and it’s what this team wants.”
Another one of the Padres’ big acquisitions, outfielder Matt Kemp, showed that excitement, sporting a “RockStar GM” T-shirt with the outline of A.J. Preller’s hair during his pre-game interview with reporters Monday.
“That was crazy, man,” Kemp said of adding Kimbrel. “We got the best closer in the game now.”
All of the moves have created something that hasn’t been seen around the Padres much in recent seasons — high expectations. Anything short of a playoff spot now might be viewed as a disappointment with the 2015 payroll pushed over $100 million.
“We embrace the expectations,” Padres manager Bud Black said. “We view it as a positive.”